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ASK A DESIGNER: 3 pros discuss creating an outdoor room

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This undated photo provided by Abbe Fenimore shows an outdoor rug in a rooftop sitting area designed by Abbe Fenimore, which brings the softness of a living room to an outdoor space. Designers say that outdoor furnishings have come a long way. Look for rugs, lighting, sofas and more. (Melanie Johnson Photography/Abbe Fenimore via AP)

By MELISSA RAYWORTH, AP

Designers often talk about the perfect “outdoor living room” — a deck or patio that combines the comfort and style of indoor decorating with the pleasure of relaxing outside. But what separates these outdoor entertaining spaces from more typically decorated backyards?

We’ve asked three interior designers — Brett Beldock of New York-based Brett Design Inc., Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten25 in Dallas and Dan Mazzarini of the design firm BHDM — about what items they use to elevate a simple deck or patio to true “outdoor room” status.

THE PERFECT RUG

Beldock agrees, and says companies like Sunbrella and Perennials offer soft rugs made of durable, dyed acrylic yarns in gorgeous patterns and colors. “It doesn’t feel like plastic,” Beldock says, but “you can hose it down.”

And fortunately, says Fenimore, you don’t have to invest a lot — even big-box stores like Sam’s Club sometimes offer good-quality outdoor rugs in geometric prints or stripes.

Some of these may actually dry more quickly after rain than more expensive, thicker outdoor rugs. Choosing a rug that drains and dries well is especially important if you have a concrete floor or little direct sunlight.

But, Fenimore says, don’t skimp too much on the price: Very thin acrylic rugs may not last long and may fade quickly.

In choosing the number of rugs and their placement, consider defining separate entertaining areas: one rug for the dining area under the table and chairs, and another to define a seating area that serves as a living room.

LIVING ROOM LIGHTING

Typical outdoor lighting can be harsh and unflattering, and “overhead lighting is nobody’s friend,” says Mazzarini. So look for outdoor table lamps and floor lamps to add the soft glow of indoor lighting.

Although they vary in what weather conditions they can handle, outdoor lamps can be used throughout much of the year, Mazzarini says.

Fenimore agrees: “Bringing in lamplight, especially outside, is really beautiful and subtle,” she says, and it’s easy to find a wide range of styles and prices for outdoor lamps at home decor retailers.

As a finishing touch, Beldock loves adding to the glow by using lots of candles with glass hurricane covers.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Managing the air is another indoor touch you can work with outdoors.

For clients in Texas, Fenimore often suggests fans to circulate the air on an outdoor patio. At her own home, “we have a wall-mounted fan hanging under one of the eaves,” she says, to keep air moving and hopefully deter mosquitoes.

For colder evenings, standing space heaters can take the chill out of a space and complement the warmth from a firepit.

UPHOLSTERY AND FABRICS

Just as with your indoor living room, choose a comfortable, stylish sofa for outdoors and pair it with a loveseat or comfortable upholstered chairs. Indoor/outdoor fabrics have come a long way, these designers say, so choose a texture that feels like indoor upholstery. And don’t just stick with one color, says Beldock: “Mix and match fabrics the way you do in an indoor situation.”

Although outdoor sofa styles vary widely, Beldock says the sectional “peanut sofa” by Bonaldo is popular for outdoor living rooms, and it’s available in a wide range of soft outdoor fabrics.

Velvety, chenille fabrics durable enough for outdoors have become popular, says Fenimore. Despite their cozy texture, she says, these fabrics don’t trap heat and can be comfortable all summer long.

To complete the look, add throw pillows to your outdoor sofa. Many outdoor throw pillows are available with stuffing that can dry easily without getting moldly.

Another option, Fenimore says, is using beautiful indoor throw pillows when you entertain outside and then bringing them in when the party is over. A deep pile of pillows will bring indoor comfort to your outdoor sofa, encouraging guests to stay and relax, she says.

Finishing touch: Fenimore suggests keeping a container filled with soft, lightweight throw blankets so that guests lounging outdoors in the evening can have that extra touch of softness and luxury if the wind begins to blow.

___EDITOR’S NOTE - Melissa Rayworth writes the Ask a Designer column monthly for The Associated Press. Follow her on Twitter at @mrayworth.